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Blood drive to be held in Stinnett

Local citizens are encouraged to come and help save a life during the upcoming blood drive at West Texas High School. The high school is hosting a school and community blood drive from 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2012, in the WTHS Commons Area, located at 600 Stewart in Stinnett. The drive is being held in conjunction with Coffee Memorial Blood Center.Sally Kossey, a teacher with WTHS, said the decision to donate blood is an important one, because donors are the only source of blood in the High Plains Region.“The need for blood in our area has increased from 26,000-27,000 units per year in the past to 30,000 units this year, meaning donors are invaluable to our community,” she said.Kossey said the World War II generation, nicknamed the “Greatest Generation,” has been the most loyal donor base through the year. However, as these donors age, they will eventually have to stop giving blood due to medication requirements and their own health status, and they may even start needing blood transfusions for illness and surgeries.“To continue to meet the needs of patients, we must find new donors to commit to the same lifelong tradition of giving,” she said. “Every generation must do its part in making sure blood is available for you, your loved ones or members of your community who need it. We challenge you to educate two non-donors on the need for blood in our community and the blood donation process and encourage them to become first-time blood donors.”All eligible donors who present to donate will receive a free “Revolution” t-shirt and a chance to win one of two bicycles. The bikes are valued at $500 each. A photo ID or donor card is required and donors must be at least 17 years old to donate, in good health, and weigh at least 115 pounds.“We need you to come help us save lives!” Kossey said.